Macleod’s historic Strathalan Community transformed to provide the latest model of aged care.
Baptcare has welcomed members of the Strathalan Community’s residential aged care facility to their new rooms following the completion of a major state-of-the art upgrade and expansion, providing for the growing needs of local families for high quality aged care accommodation.
Strathalan residents for the past 15 years, Bruce and Jean Edwards’ relationship with Baptcare started much earlier than the day they moved in. Bruce was a treasurer for Baptcare’s Karana Community annual fete, and Jean was a member of the auxiliary, which assisted Strathalan by raising funds and undertaking everyday chores. Jean is a second generation Strathalan resident. Her parents called it home for 20 years.
Bruce and Jean inspected their new room with their daughter Janeece. “It’s like a dream!” said Jean, 86.
Bruce, 90, said, “Strathalan has always been so wonderful. It is a very inclusive community.” “We are more than happy here,” said Bruce.
Janeece said that the new facility had a very luxurious feel, which complemented the quality of care that is provided to her parents.
“The carers here are so lovely, and to know that they are being so well taken care of is what makes me happy,” said Janeece.
Previously accommodating 90 residents, the residential aged care facility has been completely rebuilt and expanded to now offer 124 beds.
Strathalan, Baptcare’s flagship community, was founded in 1945 by members of the Victorian Baptist Womens Association as the first example of Baptist social work in Victoria and the first Baptist Aged Care home in the state.
In an enormous fundraising effort, particularly during a period of hardship and scarcity, the founders raised 4,000 pounds to purchase the original property, and welcomed nine elderly men as its first residents.
“Strathalan will soon welcome more residents than ever before, while still maintaining the same level of personal care that we are renowned for,” said Baptcare’s Chief Executive, Graham Dangerfield.
“We approached the new design of Strathalan with a strong focus on connections. We have created an aged care facility that enhances the connection our residents have with nurses, carers, and with each other, and also the connections that family members have with their loved ones living here and with our staff,” he continued.
As part of the redevelopment, 49 Independent Living Villas and 67 apartments will also be completed in the coming years.
Sadie Newnham was there on Strathalan’s opening day in February, 1945. Now a current resident, she was on hand to cut the ribbon at the ceremony.
“There’s something about the atmosphere here that other places just don’t have. It is such a caring community,” said the 89 year old resident.
Baptcare is a leading, faith-based not-for-profit organisation working across Victoria and Tasmania, providing residential and community care for older people, support to children, families, and people with disability, financially disadvantaged people and people seeking asylum.
Source: BUV News